DWSA students awarded at honor roll celebration for second marking period
![A group of people standing on a stage, holding certificates or awards, with a dark background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1772039510/mtvernoncsdorg/eyiha10vklpis8ud5vux/DWS-SecondMarkingperiod-Honorroll2526-13.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1772039510/mtvernoncsdorg/eyiha10vklpis8ud5vux/DWS-SecondMarkingperiod-Honorroll2526-13.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1772039510/mtvernoncsdorg/eyiha10vklpis8ud5vux/DWS-SecondMarkingperiod-Honorroll2526-13.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1772039510/mtvernoncsdorg/eyiha10vklpis8ud5vux/DWS-SecondMarkingperiod-Honorroll2526-13.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1772039510/mtvernoncsdorg/eyiha10vklpis8ud5vux/DWS-SecondMarkingperiod-Honorroll2526-13.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1772039510/mtvernoncsdorg/eyiha10vklpis8ud5vux/DWS-SecondMarkingperiod-Honorroll2526-13.jpg","width":2200}])
DWSA students awarded at honor roll celebration for second marking period
Denzel Washington School of the Arts students were recognized for their academic success two weeks ago during the school's Honor Roll Ceremony. Congratulations to all the students who earned this recognition! Click here to view the photo gallery. View the full list below:
HONOR ROLL – 2ND MARKING PERIOD (GRADES 9-12)
9th GRADE
Savannah Allen
Jordan Bando
Corrine Barrett
Peyton Bogle
Noelle Henry
Juliana Jackson
Angeli Mohabir
Jazmin Vasquez
Khori-ann Watson,
10th GRADE
Ava Angel
Ethan Brown
Joshua Cole
Kaya Diaz
Dimitri Duckett
Oneilia Lawrence
Treanna Pennant
Madisyn Scott
Brian Williams
Raymonie Williams
Shanece Williams
11th GRADE
Amy Blanco Viveros
Shannon Bucknor
Ashanti Hall
Stanley Ramsammy
Doris Taylor
Genesis Taylor
Esthel Troncoso
Sanaii Turner
12th GRADE
Brianna Baptiste
Madison Govia
Alicia Hall
Madisyn Harvey
Kayden Mann-Munroe
Alaine Miller
Julissa Miller
Nazneen Mohammed
Ahmad Sajiid Crenshaw,
Nevaeh Sutherland
HIGH HONOR ROLL (GRADES 9-12)
9th GRADE
Kelanni Alexis
Dash Bess
Chantalle Lodge
Brian Murphy
Rayha Newell
Kaylee Ramos-Vargas
Yerline Rosario
Kiley Sanchez-White
Shaniece Spence
Raul Vargas
10th GRADE
Amelia Clarke
Makaela-Marie Harvey
Angeline Molina
Destini Richards
MaQeda Richards
Rickido Scarlett
Isabel Trotman
11th GRADE
Elias Hernandez
Heyli Marte
Jordan Smith
Amiyah Strong
Naeemha Woods
12th GRADE
Selah Chambers
Yaya Diallo
Evan Gilliam
Isaac James
Leanna Laino
PRINCIPAL HONORS (GRADES 9-12)
9th GRADE
Hannah Gonzalez
Dominique Salandy
Natalia Spence
Ayden Willis
10th GRADE
Kailey Fairclough
Liam Fitzwilliam
Mykel Gayle
Donneil Harvey
Brandon Pena
Timothea Utomakili
11th GRADE
Bryce Armorer-Gardener
Charlize Ford
Jordyn Govia
Sarae Green
Michelle Ihedioha
Heilys Infante
Jasmine McKenzie
Aubrey McKoy
DaviAnna Thomas
12th GRADE
Santaycia Campbell
Anna Carolina De Moraes
Tanice Fairclough
Noel Harvey
Madison Miller
Indigo Shaw Reid
Abigail Stephens
Arionna Strong,
Sydney Whitaker
PRINCIPAL HONORS (7th and 8th grade)
7th GRADE
Marisol Barbecho Sinchi
Ayaan Islam
Hailey Martins
Maxwell Robinson
Dahneil Samuels
Khazae Thompson
8th GRADE
Solaine Adisa
Kaylee Bowie
Khloe Cooper
Careese Hall
Soleil Rose Washington
HIGH HONORS (7th and 8th grade)
7th GRADE
Sterling Edoh
Kenisha Nozie
Sophia Pellecier
`KeSeanni Pough
Carey Samuels
Johanna White
8th GRADE
Camryn Chisolm
Tianna Cornwall
Kadiatou Coulibaly
Bashayer Danba
Phebe Deku-Glover
Kody Figuereo
Shannelly Gutierrez
Hillary Lemo
Channer Springs
Sebastin Stewart
Saijah Williams
HONORS (7th and 8th grade)
7th GRADE
Alexander Cole-Fertil
Zaiya Flynch
Elias Garrison
Arielle Henry
Neyeli Morel Rodriguez
Andrew Robinson
Adrian Rodriguez
Carter Sappleton
Kimora Spence
Nayeli Zuna Clavijo
8th GRADE
Cory Adams
Madison Brown
Luna Cabrera Wilmore
Souadou Diallo
Caleb Groom
Jasmine Morales
Elvin Offei-Omenako
Elijah Smalling
Gianna Tarrant
Shayanne Vassell
![Six smiling people pose for a photo in front of a white van and trees on a sunny day.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1788876558/mtvernoncsdorg/qzddnp4ibm7ehyfq2sco/DWSAkickoff2026-2.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1788876558/mtvernoncsdorg/qzddnp4ibm7ehyfq2sco/DWSAkickoff2026-2.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1788876558/mtvernoncsdorg/qzddnp4ibm7ehyfq2sco/DWSAkickoff2026-2.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1788876558/mtvernoncsdorg/qzddnp4ibm7ehyfq2sco/DWSAkickoff2026-2.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1788876558/mtvernoncsdorg/qzddnp4ibm7ehyfq2sco/DWSAkickoff2026-2.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1788876558/mtvernoncsdorg/qzddnp4ibm7ehyfq2sco/DWSAkickoff2026-2.jpg","width":2200}])
Denzel Washington School of the Arts started off the school year on a high note during their annual back to school kickoff party, where students and staff spent the day enjoying music, dancing and spending quality time with one another. Click here to check out photos from the day!
![A smiling graduate in a cap and gown holds a diploma in front of a backdrop of blue and tan balloons.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1782336800/mtvernoncsdorg/flyy3whccjg7jux2wrzi/DWSA-Graduation-42.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1782336800/mtvernoncsdorg/flyy3whccjg7jux2wrzi/DWSA-Graduation-42.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1782336800/mtvernoncsdorg/flyy3whccjg7jux2wrzi/DWSA-Graduation-42.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1782336800/mtvernoncsdorg/flyy3whccjg7jux2wrzi/DWSA-Graduation-42.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1782336800/mtvernoncsdorg/flyy3whccjg7jux2wrzi/DWSA-Graduation-42.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1782336800/mtvernoncsdorg/flyy3whccjg7jux2wrzi/DWSA-Graduation-42.jpg","width":2200}])
The Denzel Washington School of the Arts celebrated the graduation of its Class of 2026 on Wednesday, sending a talented group of young artists and scholars into the next act of their lives with cheers, music and heartfelt gratitude. The commencement ceremony was as much a performance as it was a celebration, blending artistic expression with academic achievement in a way that has become the hallmark of the Mount Vernon school. Family members, friends, faculty and community leaders filled the auditorium, cheering each graduate as they crossed the stage after years of honing not only their artistic talents but also their voices, confidence and resilience.
![DWSA valedictorian Abigail Stephens sets her sights on a future in medicine]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1781010306/mtvernoncsdorg/fjvdt3djza5fxd7xabzd/AbigailStephens.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1781010306/mtvernoncsdorg/fjvdt3djza5fxd7xabzd/AbigailStephens.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1781010306/mtvernoncsdorg/fjvdt3djza5fxd7xabzd/AbigailStephens.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1781010306/mtvernoncsdorg/fjvdt3djza5fxd7xabzd/AbigailStephens.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1781010306/mtvernoncsdorg/fjvdt3djza5fxd7xabzd/AbigailStephens.jpg","width":1399}])
For Abigail Stephens, graduating as valedictorian of the Denzel Washington School of the Arts is the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance and support from the people who helped shape her journey. Her resilience helped guide her through the challenges of high school and toward an extraordinary future. This fall, she will attend the University of Pennsylvania, where she plans to major in biology on a pre-med track with the goal of becoming a physician.
![Creativity and determination shape DWSA salutatorian Sydney Whitaker's journey]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1781025464/mtvernoncsdorg/myionkmqyust6xyu4ug7/SydneyWhitaker_1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1781025464/mtvernoncsdorg/myionkmqyust6xyu4ug7/SydneyWhitaker_1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1781025464/mtvernoncsdorg/myionkmqyust6xyu4ug7/SydneyWhitaker_1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1781025464/mtvernoncsdorg/myionkmqyust6xyu4ug7/SydneyWhitaker_1.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1781025464/mtvernoncsdorg/myionkmqyust6xyu4ug7/SydneyWhitaker_1.jpg","width":1537}])
When Sydney Whitaker takes the stage as salutatorian of the Denzel Washington School of the Arts, she will do so as a student whose six-year journey helped shape her into a leader, creative thinker and aspiring marketing professional. Sydney has spent nearly her entire life in the Mount Vernon City School District, attending Traphagen Elementary School before enrolling at DWSA in sixth grade. Growing up with two younger sisters and surrounded by family, she developed close relationships that helped shape her outlook.
![A group of young people stand on a stage holding certificates in front of a red curtain, with a wooden podium and a speaker to the left.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1781641208/mtvernoncsdorg/xj8rtx9jfvkcjwakdmvh/DWSA-Awards-9.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1781641208/mtvernoncsdorg/xj8rtx9jfvkcjwakdmvh/DWSA-Awards-9.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1781641208/mtvernoncsdorg/xj8rtx9jfvkcjwakdmvh/DWSA-Awards-9.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1781641208/mtvernoncsdorg/xj8rtx9jfvkcjwakdmvh/DWSA-Awards-9.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1781641208/mtvernoncsdorg/xj8rtx9jfvkcjwakdmvh/DWSA-Awards-9.jpg","width":1600}])
The Denzel Washington School of the Arts proudly celebrated the accomplishments of the Class of 2026 during its Senior Awards Convocation on June 12. Students were recognized for academic achievement, leadership, service, artistic excellence, athletic participation, scholarship attainment and perseverance.
![Boy yells in delight as he holds up cell phone]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1777657756/mtvernoncsdorg/zyfrkfsov6xvqj4kjvk2/DWSA-CollegeDecision-6.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1777657756/mtvernoncsdorg/zyfrkfsov6xvqj4kjvk2/DWSA-CollegeDecision-6.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1777657756/mtvernoncsdorg/zyfrkfsov6xvqj4kjvk2/DWSA-CollegeDecision-6.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1777657756/mtvernoncsdorg/zyfrkfsov6xvqj4kjvk2/DWSA-CollegeDecision-6.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1777657756/mtvernoncsdorg/zyfrkfsov6xvqj4kjvk2/DWSA-CollegeDecision-6.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1777657756/mtvernoncsdorg/zyfrkfsov6xvqj4kjvk2/DWSA-CollegeDecision-6.jpg","width":2200}])
Denzel Washington School for the Arts seniors turned their college commitments into a full-fledged performance during a festive College Decision Day celebration, where dozens of members of the Class of 2026 announced where they will head this fall. Cheers erupted in the auditorium as each senior was introduced one by one as their baby photos flashed across a large screen, followed by a second slide revealing their chosen college.
![Girl with long black hair smiles at camera]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1771253537/mtvernoncsdorg/ok106bxke9budugm9uy6/SydneyWhitaker.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1771253537/mtvernoncsdorg/ok106bxke9budugm9uy6/SydneyWhitaker.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1771253537/mtvernoncsdorg/ok106bxke9budugm9uy6/SydneyWhitaker.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1771253537/mtvernoncsdorg/ok106bxke9budugm9uy6/SydneyWhitaker.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1771253537/mtvernoncsdorg/ok106bxke9budugm9uy6/SydneyWhitaker.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1771253537/mtvernoncsdorg/ok106bxke9budugm9uy6/SydneyWhitaker.jpg","width":1784}])
At just 4 years old, Sydney Whitaker began her journey in the Mount Vernon City School District — from Traphagen Elementary School to Denzel Washington School of the Arts, where she now stands as a poised and accomplished senior.
![Girl wearing headband and smiling at the camera]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1771253509/mtvernoncsdorg/dqd6wm43q8hya7fkdzic/MadisynHarvey.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1771253509/mtvernoncsdorg/dqd6wm43q8hya7fkdzic/MadisynHarvey.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1771253509/mtvernoncsdorg/dqd6wm43q8hya7fkdzic/MadisynHarvey.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1771253509/mtvernoncsdorg/dqd6wm43q8hya7fkdzic/MadisynHarvey.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1771253509/mtvernoncsdorg/dqd6wm43q8hya7fkdzic/MadisynHarvey.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1771253509/mtvernoncsdorg/dqd6wm43q8hya7fkdzic/MadisynHarvey.jpg","width":1848}])
At the Denzel Washington School of the Arts, senior dance major Madisyn Harvey has grown up in more ways than one since her pre-K days in the Mount Vernon City School District.